The anti-union sentiment spreading across this nation seemed to take hold in the U.S. Supreme Court, which recently ruled workers can decide if they want to pay dues in a unionized workforce in the Janus vs. AFSCME case. Yet “free riders” enjoy better working conditions, hours, wages and benefits thanks to the same union they refuse to support.

Unions exist to protect employees’ rights to fair working conditions, reasonable hours and wages. When MAP, MAPE and MAFF members band together to advance their concerns with Employers through collective bargaining, positive changes occur. In fact, unions have been so successful at the bargaining table that some Employers are working hard to weaken them.

The “right-to-work” campaign focused on individuals rights to choose whether to pay dues. When it was implemented in Michigan, proponents wanted workers to believe they were benefitting by having a few extra dollars in their pockets. But free riders not only cost the union money, they cost themselves money in the long run. When you refuse to support the union representing you and your co-workers, it takes away needed funds to protect worker rights, benefits, and jobs.

The Michigan Legislature has rejected a Governor-issued executive order for the first time in 42 years.The Republican-led Legislature passed HCR 1, rejecting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2019-2, which would have reorganized the Department of Environmental Quality and abolished three oversight panels created by the Legislature. Attorney General Dana Nessel continues her efforts to withdraw the state from federal cases. In recent weeks, she has withdrawn the state from more than a dozen federal cases. The latest are four cases involving civil rights and two involving transparency. After Gov. Whitmer’s call in the State of the State address for “hands free” legislation, Representative Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) has introduced HB 4181 to prohibit drivers from using a mobile electronic device while driving unless it is in a “voice-operated or hands-free mode” and the driver doesn’t have to use his or her hands to operate it. Making 9-1-1 calls are exempted. The sale of a former state prison in Ionia for construction of a $35 million private immigration detention center has been scrapped by the governor. A judge has denied an agreement reached between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters brought a lawsuit against the Secretary of State prior to Secretary Benson’s Administration over the Republican-drawn redistricted maps after the most recent census. Writing on behalf of the three-judge panel, U.S. District Judge Eric Clay said Secretary Benson “lacks the authority to enter into the proposed consent decree” which would have seen 11 of Michigan’s 110 House districts redrawn for the 2020 election. Click here for the February 2019 Karoub Report for more details on these and other legislative issues.

While it’s true our experiences in life impact our financial decisions, having a plan for retirement isn’t something anyone should go without.

That’s the message Stuart Raider and Peter Mendler recently shared with MAFF members. The Raider Dennis Agency President and Vice President encourage all members to come in for a free financial analysis and thorough retirement plan, so they are ready when it’s time to retire.

“This is something that is available to all MAP, MAPE and MAFF members that are dues paying,” Mendler said.

Raider’s father, Jordan, was only 7-years-old when his own dad passed away unexpectedly. “He learned about financial and emotional hardship,” Raider said.

Those hardships inspired Jordan to build a successful financial planning business, thus inspiring Stuart to follow in his footsteps with the business and get a college education at Michigan State University. “It taught me a lesson about responsibility for my clients,” Raider said.

Mendler experienced a similar upbringing to Raiders’ father. A former IRS Agent, current attorney and financial planner, Mendler was only 5-years-old when his parents divorced. His dad passed away when he was 12. “I went to live with my grandparents,” Mendler said. “I felt like a charity case. I learned what it was like to feel needy, vulnerable. I’ve worked my whole life to never feel like I’m in that position again.”

His grandfather inspired his financial career. “My grandfather instilled in me the value of saving,” Mendler said. “As we face retirement, we don’t want to run out of money.”

Both partners in the Raider Dennis Agency are fiduciaries. They are held to a higher standard of education, knowledge and responsibility to provide individuals with financial plans that will see them through retirement. “A fiduciary is legally bound to act in your best interests,” Mendler said. “Stuart and I are fiduciaries. We take it very seriously to uphold that trust we’re held up to. Not every financial advisor is a fiduciary.”

“Washington Township Fire Department has issues with retention of part-time fire fighters,” said MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Jim Steffes regarding the contract extension. “The cost of training a part-time fire fighter only to have them hired full-time somewhere else is creating a problem. The Township is re-evaluating their budget to determine if a full-time department is something they can afford or whether should they explore other options.”

Contract Extension: 1-year Extension of original agreement (7-1-16 to 12-31-18). Contract now effective until 12-31-19.

Wage Increases:2.5% increase effective April 1, 2017.2.5% increase effective April 1, 2018.3% (contract extension) increase effective April 1, 2019.• .50 cents an hour increase effective on ratification of original contract.• $700 of retroactive pay for each employee, based on making the contract retroactive to July 1, 2016, since the previous contract expired April 28, 2016.

The deadline is approaching for Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) members and their families to apply for a $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship.

Applications and any attachments must be completed and received by the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters office no later than March 1, 2019.

Qualifications include:• Permanent resident of the State of Michigan• Member of, or immediate family member of: Michigan Association of Fire Fighters, Michigan Association of Police or Michigan Association of Public Employees• Applicants must complete a high school education or equivalent by June 30, 2019

The mission of The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund is to assist members and their families who are motivated to improve society by enhancing their future careers through a college education. Carl Parsell Scholarships are awarded to deserving college bound students who desire assistance with their college tuition.

Carl Parsell Scholarships may be used to cover a portion of educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, and other required fees during the 2019-2020 school year. Scholars may use the award to attend any United States accredited university, college, community college, junior college, two or four year accredited degree-granting institution, or vocational training institution that grants a certification or license. Funds derived from The Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing determine the number of scholarships to be awarded annually. The maximum award available per student is $2,500.

Scholarship Applications and conditions for eligibility are available under Scholarship Information on this website. For more information, contact Julie Palmquist at (248) 509-7160 or jpalmquist@mapmapemaff.org

Local Executive Board Members and Local Stewards are invited to attend a series of free monthly Grievance Seminars on Fridays at the MAFF Office.

The Seminars, conducted by MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner, will provide valuable information about key grievance issues. Seminars scheduled Jan. 25 and March 29, 2019 will focus on Contract Interpretation. Discipline will be the topic at seminars scheduled on Feb. 22 and April 26, 2019. All Seminars begin at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served. Details can be found on the website Calendar.

Please register as soon as possible as space is limited to 12 people by calling Julie Palmquist at (248) 509-7160, ext. 231 or emailing her at jpalmquist@mapmapemaff.com

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she will put forth “a real plan” to fix Michigan’s roads and other infrastructure in her March budget presentation, but when questioned by reporters gave no indication of how she would propose paying for the plan. The Senate and House have set their top legislative priorities. The Senate’s first bill of the 100th Legislature is Senate Bill 1 to address the state’s nation-leading auto insurance rates. The measure includes reform of health insurance and personal injury protection benefits. Senate Democrats are calling for tax credits such as establishing a child care credit for working families with young children and creating a tax credit claw back that would make businesses that leave Michigan pay back incentive dollars they were awarded to come to or stay in Michigan. The Republican House is focusing on Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform to require a criminal conviction before law enforcement agencies could sell or use the property seized based on probable cause. Gambling expansion legislation will quickly be reintroduced this session, according to Representative Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Twp.) and Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing). The legislation, which would allow online gaming and horse race betting by cellphone as well as fantasy sports gambling and new charitable gaming regulations, fell victim to former Gov. Rick Snyder’s veto pen. Attorney General Dana Nessel has picked Fadwa Hammoud as Solicitor General and tapped her to oversee the Attorney General’s criminal prosecutions in the Flint water crisis. For more on these and other legislative topics, click here for the Jan. 23, 2019 Karoub Report.

After an oft-times contentious lame duck session that saw the GOP-controlled 99th Legislature pass several controversial pieces of the legislation and an all-night session, lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year and the 99th Legislature came to an end. Karoub Associates lobbyist Emily Laidlaw was named Policy Director for Governor Whitmer’s Administration. Laidlaw was instrumental in developing Karoub’s Education Practice. Gov. Rick Snyder has signed several bills including a huge $1.3 billion spending bill that includes $69 million for the Renew Michigan Fund for hazardous waste sites, a new revenue stream ($114 million in FY 2019 and $143 million in FY 2020) for roads, $19.3 million to fight PFAS and $40 million for a new Capitol Visitor Center at the Capitol. Snyder also vetoed 56 bills in his final days of office. Gov. Whitmer started her term, naming the state’s new Budget Director, Treasurer and she appointed new state department Directors, including Col. Joseph Gasper as Director of the Michigan State Police. Detroit developer Dan Gilbert's attempts to revive no-fault auto insurance reform failed to make it out of the Legislature during the last day of the lame duck session. Although the Senate passed legislation that would make all limited access expressways 75 miles per hour and all non-city highways 65 miles per hour, the House stopped the legislation from moving forward. For more details on these and other legislative issues, click here for the January 2019 Karoub Report.

The 2018 Michigan General Election results for Nov. 6 are available on the Secretary of State website with length of elected office terms, number of votes per candidate and percentage of votes each candidate received. The site also details voter turnout for all 83 Michigan counties.

]]>jjaa48178@gmail.com (Jennifer Gomori)FeaturedLegislativeServicesTue, 13 Nov 2018 15:37:16 +0000Democrats take top offices, but Republicans maintain control of State House, Senate in midterm electionhttp://maff.org/services/legislative/330-democrats-take-top-offices-but-republicans-maintain-control-of-state-house-senate-in-midterm-election
http://maff.org/services/legislative/330-democrats-take-top-offices-but-republicans-maintain-control-of-state-house-senate-in-midterm-election

Karoub Special Election ReportNov. 7, 2018

With the exception of Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement’s victory, it was a big night for Michigan Statewide elected Democrats Tuesday.

In impressive fashion, Democrats surged in this midterm election and placed their respective candidates in the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General positions. Voters also returned United States Senator Debbie Stabenow to Washington and flipped two coveted United States House seats.

With about 90 percent of precincts reporting, Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer carved out a 53 to 44 percent win over Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette. The election results mirror the latest polls going into Tuesday’s election. Attorney Mark Bernstein will act as director of the transition team for the Governor-elect.

Democrat Jocelyn Benson snapped a 24-year Democratic drought in the Secretary of State post by defeating Republican Mary Treder Lang by a solid margin. Democrat Dana Nessel won a close race for Attorney General over Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard.

MAFF filed two successful grievances on behalf of a Van Buren Township Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighter who was suspended twice. The first suspension was reversed and the other significantly reduced with back pay and benefits awarded.

SUSPENSION REVERSED

In the first case, MAFF fought a 3-day suspension as excessive discipline and won. The Firefighter was suspended Aug. 17, 2017 for failing to notify the Employer in a timely manner that he would not attend a June 2017 training session. The Union filed a grievance stating the discipline violated Article II of the Management Rights policy by being “excessive.” The Arbitrator agreed, partially granting the grievance and reducing the discipline to a written write-up.

Township POC Firefighters received an email from the Employer asking them to sign up for one of three training sessions. The Firefighter in question forgot and failed to respond by the last training session on June 24, 2017. Once it was brought to his attention, he responded July 19 he was unable to attend due to “working and prior family obligations.”

The House has unanimously approved a five-bill package of legislation (SB 425-429) that will allow people to register to vote online; Michigan’s unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent in September. The number of jobless in the state fell below 200,000 last month for the first time since September 2000; Legislators have finished session work and headed back home to hit the campaign trail until the 14 scheduled session days in lame duck; The state's attempt to have some existing unlicensed marijuana businesses close by Sept. 15 ended up in court. So now the state has issued a new set of rules and made the deadline Oct. 31 instead; Legalization of the use of CBD oil, or cannabidiol, without the need of a medical marijuana card, has passed the House and been sent to the Senate; and the first case of chronic wasting disease in the Upper Peninsula has been confirmed by the Department of Natural Resources. It is the first deer to test positive among the 625 deer tested this year. Click here for the October 2018 Karoub Report for further information on these and other legislative issues.

The Michigan Department of Corrections plans to close the Ojibway Correctional Facility in Gogebic County on Dec. 1. Two other prisons have been closed in the past two years – Pugsley Correctional Facility in Grand Traverse County and the West Shoreline Correctional Facility in Muskegon County. Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Schuette and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gretchen Whitmer are planning three televised debates and chose their lieutenant governor running mates. Schuette tapped former state representative and Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Whitmer named Garlin Gilchrist II of Detroit as her running mate. U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain has issued a permanent injunction stopping the state from enacting Public Act (PA) 268 which eliminated the option of straight-ticket voting in the foreseeable future for Michigan voters. Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration is recommending sales tax collected from online retailers outside of Michigan – more than $200 million – be spent to fix roads. Governor Snyder has announced new plans that would provide universal access to highspeed internet for every Michigan resident, business, region and community and the Michigan Supreme Court ruled Ann Arbor and Clio school districts’ ban on anyone bringing a weapon into a school building will stand. For more information on these and other legislative issues, click here for the August 2018 Karoub Report.

Pre-med students receive 2018 Carl Parsell Scholarships

Two college-bound students planning medical careers were honored with $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships during the 28th Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 7, 2018 at Links of Novi.

Makenzie Leach of Kalkaska and Jessica Williams of Fowlerville were awarded 2018 scholarships.

The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 to continue the legacy of Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded each year to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Police (MAP), Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) and Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) union members.

In its 28th year, $120,500 in Carl Parsell Scholarships have been awarded to help students obtain a college education. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.

Carl Parsell Scholar plans to become trauma surgeon

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Jessica Williams of Fowlerville plans to use her $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship to take the first steps in preparing for a medical career.

The daughter of MAFF Union member Daniel Williams, Jr. a Livingston County Paramedic, and Marcie Williams, graduated Fowlerville High School Suma Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA. She is using her scholarship in pursuit of a bachelor’s of science degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University, a pre-med program.

“This scholarship will help me further my goals of going into the medical field by being a stepping stone to ease the burden of debt from attending college,” Williams wrote in her application. “My goal is to become a trauma surgeon and I chose this occupation so I can help people.”

Williams also received an American Red Cross $250 scholarship and an annual President’s Scholarship for $7,750 from the university based on her high GPA.

Jessica Williams of Fowlerville (center) plans to use her $2,500 scholarship to pursue a medical career. Her brother, Ben (right) and father, MAFF Union member Daniel Williams, Jr. (left) a Livingston County Paramedic, joined her at the Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing where she received her award.

She is working at The Pizza Box in Fowlerville and plans to find a job near campus to help pay her schooling costs. Williams is looking forward to the warmer climate. “I think it will be fun to get out of my comfort zone and explore new places,” she said. “They have a really nice campus and their pre-med program is really good. I really liked the atmosphere there when I toured it.”

Williams was section leader in Marching Band and received Chevron awards and a Varsity Letter in Wind Ensemble. “Both inside the classroom and out, she can be found putting in the work, knowing that her efforts now will only increase her successes down the road,” wrote William A. Vliek, Fowlerville High School Director of Bands. “In her time in band, she has taken private saxophone lessons and has become our lead alto saxophonist in our jazz band; requiring her to arrive at school 50 minutes early twice a week. In addition, she has taken it upon herself to take private voice lessons as well as private piano lessons.”

“Though her initiative and drive are exemplary, Jessica’s character is the trait I will remember most,” Vliek wrote. “She can be counted on for a smile when needed and has served as a great leader within our marching band. She understands that not everyone learns at the same pace and molds her leadership and teaching to fit each individual student. I have no doubt that this trait will bring her great success in the professional world when she needs to collaborate and work effectively with others.”

Williams also received an Academic Letter for Honor Roll and National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence for outstanding grades, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. She received a Varsity Letter, pins, and was a mentor in Archery and completed courses and requirements of National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care.

She also took time to help others as a Camp Counselor and volunteer at Center Lake Bible Camp. She plays in the Praise Band at Calvary Church in Webberville, is a Children’s Church volunteer and helps an older woman she befriended with weekly yardwork and cleaning. “She likes the company and we get along very well. She does (cardiac) research at Michigan State,” Williams said.

“Jessie is very determined, reliable and willing to do whatever task needs to be done to the best of her ability,” wrote Michael R. Carpenter, Associate Pastor at Calvary Church in Webberville. “She is respectful of authority, accepts criticism and takes responsibility for the task at hand. She is always willing to step up and fill a need when asked or when she sees an opportunity. She is a beautiful example of character and a role model to not only her peers, but to all ages, including myself.”

Calvary Senior Pastor Scott Gardziella described her as hard working, consistent and dedicated. “These qualities have made her an excellent volunteer at our church where she has devoted countless hours mentoring boys and girls in our children’s ministry and playing bass with our Praise Band,” Gardziella wrote. “She is kind and likeable, but not so worried about being liked that she changes with the crowd. This stability of character makes me trust her implicitly.”

Comparing her “outstanding” archery skills to life, Gardziella wrote, “She focuses on her goal, blocks out all the unnecessary noise and drama, takes careful aim at the target and hits the bullseye."

2018 Carl Parsell Scholarship recipient Makenzie Leach (right) is the daughter of MAPE member Stacy Leach, a Kalkaska County Friend of the Court Case Manager.

Carl Parsell Scholar to pursue nursing training while in college

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Makenzie Leach is pursuing a career as a nurse and a $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship is helping her achieve that dream.

The daughter of MAPE member Stacy Leach, Kalkaska County Friend of the Court Case Manager, and Matt Leach of Kalkaska, was awarded the 2018-19 scholarship in June. She graduated Kalkaska High School with a 3.9 GPA this May.

In the fall, she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Northwestern Community College in Traverse City, which recently added the full four-year nursing program to their curriculum. “Receiving this scholarship award would be a great honor and take away some of the financial burdens of nursing school,” she wrote in her application.

Leach, who graduated with Honors, served as Junior Class President, Student Council President in her senior year, and a high school math tutor. Captain of the Varsity Softball Team her senior year, she played four years on the Varsity Softball team and was Kalkaska Blazer Softball MVP in 2017. Leach was also awarded five other scholarships totaling $4,000.

“Makenzie has distinguished herself as an academic, leader, and hard worker in numerous fields, but also as a tremendous person in our school community,” wrote Kalkaska High science teacher Matthew Rogers. “I am always impressed with her creative mind and independent work ethic. She never stops her pursuit of knowledge, and continually looks deeper and tries to make connections with the material. Makenzie searches for answers to problems and is willing to take risks and try new ideas to accomplish the goal.”

“While taking a college level biology is difficult for most, Makenzie continuously keeps an open dialogue between herself and the instructor. This is an impressive trait that is rare for most high schoolers,” Rogers wrote. “As a leader she pushes the envelope with ideas and projects that provide the school and community with unique experiences. Makenzie has worked with individuals on school work or has been there to offer support for peers in need. She is the first person to help and will always go out of her way to make sure she can.”

As National Honors Society (NHS) Secretary, Leach volunteered at blood drives, gardening along community walking trails, and helped with parades and other local community events. She also volunteered with youth softball and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, reviewing applications for grants and awarding funds to non-profit agencies.

Leach was a TBAISD Teacher Academy Program participant, assisting in elementary classrooms with instruction and was on TBA Career-Tech Center Principal’s Honor Roll. “Kenzie is a born leader and communicator. As my teacher academy student, she was helpful in all tasks creative, interpersonal and clerical,” wrote Matt Olds, Kalkaska High teacher and coach. “As for softball, Kenzie has been decorated as a top performer earning all-region twice, all-district, and all-conference three times. Kenzie can truly get big projects done with her attitude and rare ability to bring people together.”

Leach worked as a secretary at First Choice Trucking through a school-to-work program in high school. She babysits and has worked various summer jobs. This summer, she plans to return to work at Twin Birch Golf Course and will nanny.

“As a former teacher and coach of Makenzie Leach’s, I have been thoroughly impressed by her commitment and willingness to give 100% all the time,” wrote Jason Skeels. “I have seen a young woman who is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to help others. Makenzie was a student of mine last year in TBA Teacher Academy Program and she was phenomenal. Her projects were second to none and she worked well with her host teachers throughout the school year. Not only was she successful in balancing her busy schedule, she has maintained exceptional grades and also volunteered numerous hours throughout her community.”

In college, Leach plans to get a jump start on her career while earning money by applying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. “I’m hoping to work at Munson Hospital in Traverse City,” Leach said, adding that she would receive training and work experience if hired. “You get a paycheck and they also assist you with your college.”

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and a bipartisan group of senators recently introduced legislation to help protect children’s identities from “synthetic ID fraud,” a form of identity theft in which stolen Social Security Numbers (SSN) are paired with fake names and birth dates. A recent study found that one in every 10 children had their SSN used by identity thieves to fraudulently open bank or credit card accounts, negatively impacting a child’s credit before they even become adults. Click here for more information on this bill to prevent chiild identity theft.

While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAFF are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.

“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAFF Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.

Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the Annual Open House in December.

Weiss recounted a case in which a Detective was accused of hitting on a witness and complainant. “There was nothing in the CBA for sexting, however it was clear the department could discipline him if they thought it was warranted,” Weiss said.